Roger Goodell is optimistic about the future of the NFL in Buffalo

NEW YORK — With the death of Buffalo Bills founder Ralph Wilson, the future of the franchise in western New York is uncertain.

Several possible ownership groups have begun to inquire and express interest in purchasing the franchise and rumors of a potential relocation have surfaced.

“They are working on their process as far as selecting their advisor,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday at a pre-draft event. “They will probably do that in the near future. And when they have their advisor selected, they will start the more formal process.”

Is Goodell optimistic about the future of NFL football in Buffalo?

“I am,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of discussions with prospective owners, but I’ve also had discussions with public officials and we all want to focus and get that stadium built and do it the right way and get the right ownership there.”

That, above all else, is the key to keeping the franchise in Buffalo. The Bills’ current lease with Ralph Wilson Stadium, which opened in 1973, runs through 2022, though the team could trigger a $28.4 million buyout which would allow it to move before the 2020 season. Goodell made it clear, however, that a new facility is necessary.

“Yes, I do,” Goodell said when asked if he thought a new stadium was necessary in order to keep the Bills in Buffalo. “I think we said at the time when they entered into their new lease that this is really a short-term solution. We have to find the right long-term solution that’s good for the community and can help the Bills be successful in western New York, and we’ll get there.”

Several prospective owners have indicated their interest in the franchise. Entertainer Jon Bon Jovi has been rumored to be interested in becoming part of a group that seeks to move the team to Toronto. Goodell stressed that when the league considers new ownership proposals, it will focus on groups that aren’t considering relocation as a primary option.

“The intention is that whoever buys the team will be trying to make the team work in western New York,” Goodell said.